In the Community

The D.C. United Community Stars program is an initiative designed to further support our commitment to the community by recognizing and supporting organizations and individuals for their contributions to communities in and around the Washington Metropolitan area.

D.C. United Community Stars is open to any person who demonstrates leadership, compassion, dedication and a commitment to make their community a better place! Any person, regardless of age, within the D.C. Metropolitan area is eligible for consideration and nominations are based on ones commitment and involvement in the community. Anyone can nominate an individual by completing the nomination form found through the link below. Nominations will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the 2015 season.

One winner will be chosen once a month and each winner will receive four (4) tickets to a D.C. United regular season match, free parking, and a fan pack including D.C. United promotional items as well as on-field recognition for their community contributions.

When you hear the name Michael Seaton, what comes to mind? Speed, athleticism, potential? Well, how about Tango? That’s right. Michael Seaton is Tangoing with the Stars.

The Chamber Dance Project is producing a stellar show at the Kennedy Center in which gorgeous tango ballets will be performed, and in support of the gala, on April 10, Minister Federico Barttfeld, Head of Cultural Affairs of Argentina, and the Chamber Dance Project will host Tango with the Stars.

D.C. United’s Seaton will be dancing for United for D.C., while other local names such as Doron Petersan, winner of Cupcake Wars and Kate Michael, former Miss DC will be dancing for charities of their choice.

Chris Pontius and Matt Lampson of the Columbus Crew hosted two families, the Keffers and Deavers, in the name of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at the Home Opener Saturday night.

Jack Keffer, who is four-years-old, is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Eight-year-old Giovanni Deavers is also undergoing treatment after a recent relapse.

In the 80th minute of the game, both families were able to enjoy the remainder of the game on the field. Afterwards, Pontius and Lampson joined both families for a meet-and-greet.

Pontius has been an avid supporter of LLS for the past 3 years, and the mission is close to his heart - his dad is a leukemia survivor. Lampson has also been an avid supporter, as he is a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor.

Santa Claus may be long gone, but it doesn't mean the gift-giving season is over -- at least not for the hundred or so children that attended Monday's Three Kings Day gift giving celebration in Adams Morgan.

Upon arriving to the plaza, located in front of the MPD-Latino Liaison Unit, D.C. United staff and I were welcomed by rhythmic music provided by El Zol. A line of children and their families wrapped around the block, patiently waiting to receive their toys. While they waited, Three Kings on horseback came to Adams Morgan to surprise the families!

After the kids grabbed their toys, they went to take photos with the Kings and their horses. It was a great evening to celebrate Three Kings Day with the families, MPD-Latino Unit, and our D.C. United staff. I cannot wait to attend the event again next year!

The traditional definition of “giving” is the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return. For those who actually perform this act, the word means considerably more than a simple twelve word description. I am only seven months green to the District of Columbia and these streets are far too unfamiliar to call home, but, volunteering to help those in need is something that will always make me feel more connected to my community.

As 250 children from local D.C. schools quietly entered the Caucus room in the Cannon Building of the US Capitol, their faces became so animated and eyes so wide, I couldn't stop my heart from melting. The walls were lined with Christmas decor, the tables were draped with snowflakes and Santa's helpers were stationed at every turn with a smile. The historical landmark was truly transformed into a magical wonderland far different from its everyday landscape.

The three hours were jam packed with different activities to keep every age group entertained. My co-workers and I danced the wobble, passed out food and helped assemble presents for Santa and Mrs. Clause to deliver to everyone in attendance. A puppeteer and clown were also on hand for extra charm.

Tuesday was about the 250 children in that room. The 250 children that might have taken home their only Christmas presents yesterday. The 250 children that arrived without warm winter coats. The 250 children that most of all, needed a little extra love and hope. It was their day and if I helped make it, I guess I am a little closer to home than I thought.

When I think about the holiday season, I often reference the copious amounts of food, drink and outstanding company of my family and friends from years past. These are luxuries that I have grown accustomed to over my lifetime and have come to expect on an annual basis. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same fortune that many of us benefit from around the holidays. This fact is evident every time I volunteer to help those in need, especially during this time of year.

Along with several other D.C. United and United for D.C. staff members, we took a few hours out of our day to volunteer at one of the most hospitable places I have ever been, Miriam’s Kitchen.

We prepared and served lunch of tuna salad, vegetables, crackers, and fruit to over 75 guests during the lunch shift. We baked cookies, & muffins, bagged trail mix, poured coffee & hot cocoa, and spent time with some great individuals playing bingo, handing out raffle prizes and simply talking. To learn more about all of the ways in which Miriam's Kitchen empowers individuals, visit www.miriamskitchen.org.

I consider myself part of a new trend in the District of Columbia. I am a young professional living in the heart of the town, ushering in an urban revitalization of the federal city. While it has been amazing to see street car tracks laid down, new bars and restaurants opening their doors and even a craft beer revolution taking place inside the city’s boarders, it is impossible to look past the crowds of homeless individuals crowding the Starburst Plaza near H St. or the Martin Luther King Library on G St.

Yesterday, I had the chance to help those in need while volunteering through United Builds at DC Central Kitchen on 2nd St. NW.

A motley crew of D.C. United staff members including the Assistant Equipment Manager, Box Office Manager, and Director of Information Technology toiled in the massive kitchen preparing meals that would feed over 2,000 individuals.

How can 2,000 meals be prepared in less than three hours? Well, it certainly wasn’t easy.

I personally cut over 500 pieces of bread that would be used to make sandwiches to distribute through DC Central Kitchen’s various outlets. When the bread was all prepared we moved our efforts to pressing turkey patties. For over an hour I kept my hands wrist-deep in ground turkey, pressing over 400 patties on my own! After we finished our responsibilities, the group from D.C. United had prepared the elements for over 2,000 meals which would be distributed within a 24 hour period. While the work was tiring, it was rewarding to leave the facility knowing thousands in need would have a warm meal to eat because of our efforts.

DC Central Kitchen prepares over 10,000 meals per day and is open 365 days a year as “hunger takes no off days.” The facility relies on a base of volunteers to cut bread, chop vegetables, pound turkey patties and everything else that goes with feeding the masses. I highly recommend the experience to those looking to effectively donate their time. For more information visit http://www.dccentralkitchen.org/.

A fresh baked turkey that tantalizes your palette. Thick slices of cranberry sauce straight from the can. And yams so sweet that part of you feels guilty for gobbling them up. All of these delights are just a few of my favorite things about Thanksgivings. And this holiday season, I had the privilege of serving these joys to the thousands who gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the Safeway Feast of Sharing.

Held annually since 1999, this event seeks to provide Thanksgiving dinners to a needy community comprised of nearly 5,000 elderly, homeless, and underprivileged individuals. The cause is generously supported by organizations such as The Safeway Corporation, The Salvation Army and other community partners. In addition to the banquet, health services and a clothing distribution were provided to all who were in need.

Upon arriving at the convention center on this frigid fifth day of giving, my coworkers and I were welcomed by the bustling ambiance of volunteers. It was heartwarming to see people from all across the community. It was especially encouraging to see the Woodrow Wilson and H.D. Woodson Senior High School football teams working sided by side. For on Thanksgiving, these two teams will clash in the district’s infamous Turkey Bowl. Other notable guests included Mayor Gray, DC Councilmembers Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and the cheerleaders from the Washington Redskins. But perhaps the best surprise of all was seeing the vivacious kids of Ketcham Elementary, a proud participant of United Soccer Club and United Reads program.

While serving at the event, volunteers were assigned specific shifts that ranged from greeting guests, seating the elderly, preparing meals, delivering orders and cleaning off the tables. But no matter the role and responsibility, everyone had the pleasure of fellowship. Smiles were shared throughout the room as spirited personalities swooned at the table and volunteers worked hand-in-hand.

In the end, the Feast of Sharing yielded more than just a bountiful meal; it imparted an uplifting sense of hope, faith and hospitality. For if we put aside our differences and come together under one roof, there’s a great feast that is waiting to be shared.

It is easy to forget how much we have to be thankful for. We all can get in the habit of taking things for granted, like the food on our tables or our good health. Thanksgiving is a great reminder for us all to take a step back and appreciate what we have and to help those around us in our community who may not be as lucky. Our neighbors down the road at Food & Friends were able to provide some of the D.C. United staff with insight on how one small act can change a person’s day.

Food & Friends is a home-delivered meal service, which was founded in 1988. It was originally a service for people with HIV/AIDS and has since transitioned to also serve those living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. These people are provided with ready-to-eat meals and television-style dinners.

The volunteer coordinator shared that we would be running delivery routes today and briefed our group on the rules and what to expect or do if certain issues came up. Six of the front office staff excitedly braved the cold and rainy temperatures, and broke off into two D.C. United vans to begin planning our routes.

My van delivered in Southeast and serviced different types of facilities. First on our list was an assisted living type of facility. Our van was immediately recognized by some of the elderly residents in the lobby. One excitedly asked if he could come and play for the team while the other joked that we better not bring him along if we wanted to be good!

Our next stops were at different apartment complexes and houses where we received the same warm reception from all the recipients, especially one lady who was very concerned that we were out in this weather and sweetly advised us to get “out of the cold and rainy mess!” Everyone kept us entertained and on our toes from all the jokesters and kindhearted people, to the Terminix guy answering the door for the sweet elderly man walking down to greet us in his terrycloth bathrobe (can’t blame a guy for being comfy!).

All of us were happy to partner with the wonderful organization of Food & Friends for our 4th Day of Giving. Being able to see each person who is affected with these life threatening illness receive their meals was a fulfilling experience. It is a nice reminder that we should strive to always help those in need and be thankful, not just around Thanksgiving, but everyday. Food & Friends is indeed “delivering hope, one meal at a time.”

Elementary school was a simpler time in life. For me, the most challenging part of elementary school was learning my spelling words. For some of the children at Amidon-Bowen Elementary school, the challenges they face are much more real.

Hunger is a serious problem in the District of Columbia, and organizations like Martha’s Table are out to change that. Martha’s Table is dedicated to helping those in need receive food and education to help alleviate hunger, especially child hunger.

When we arrived at Amidon-Bowen the staff from Martha’s Table already had volunteers hard at work opening boxes of yogurt, oatmeal, soup, pasta, cranberry sauce, and bagging fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen turkeys. We jumped right in and started organizing the food into stations based on food groups, which would later play into the education part of the distribution. We tried to make the food appear as it would at a grocery store, organized by product and variety, and in straight rows, so the recipients would feel that they had choices, and weren’t just receiving a hand out.

As the families began to file in we didn’t simply hand over bags of food. We engaged with the families by discussing their different options, asked the children questions about what food groups they already had in their bags, what their favorite meal was and joked about how nobody really likes cranberry sauce (or at least I don’t). You could see on their faces that they were grateful not only for the food, but for treating them as people.

The holidays are a time to appreciate what you have, but for those in need this time of year , they can be a reminder of what you don’t have. During the short two hours that we helped distribute food that will help families provide a full Thanksgiving meal, it was clear that we were making a difference in these people’s lives. Everyone may need help once in a while, and knowing that we were able to help dozens of families in Southwest Washington was a great way to spend our 3rd Day of Giving.